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22. WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AT THE CITY OF KOURION
LOCATION: KOYRION ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
AREA: FOUNTAIN HOUSE
CHRONOLOGY:
QR: 23
DESCRIPTION:

The water sources of the city were located near the present-day village of Sotira (western aqueduct) and Souni (eastern aqueduct). These two main aqueducts, which supplied the city with water, were over 11 and 22 kilometres away, respectively. The system operated by gravity and generally followed the natural topography. The water reached the aqueducts either through clay pipes or by channels carved into the natural rock.

The western aqueduct supplied water to the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates and the Stadium before reaching the city of Kourion. Later, it was supplemented by the eastern aqueduct, which carried significantly larger quantities of water. This later eastern aqueduct served most of the city, and it is estimated that it could support the needs of a city with a population of around 20,000 people.

Connected to the eastern aqueduct was an underground structure, likely a cistern, known as the "Fountain House." It measures 6 x 2.75 metres and extends to a height of 3.5 metres. The structure was carved into the natural rock, while the northwestern wall and ceiling were constructed from large stone blocks. An opening in the western corner of the room provided access to a small cave that likely served as an overflow pit, while an opening in the northeastern wall possibly allowed water from the aqueduct to enter. Access to the cistern was later blocked when the so-called "Arched building" was constructed (to the northeast of the House of the Gladiators).
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KOURION ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE